Alcohol

Most students will probably have at least one alcoholic drink whilst at University. But whether you are teetotal, a fan of the occasional spritzer, or a self-confessed party animal: it’s important to know the facts so that you make informed choices!

The https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/ is a really great website, with loads of advice and information to encourage more healthy drinking practices. They even have tips on how to beat hangovers (just in case...). You can also speak to Rosie Hillas( Students'Union Community Officer) or GP if you are concerned about your alcohol intake.

Recommended Safe Limit

The recommended safe limits are:

for men: 21 units of alcohol per week (and no more than 4 units in any one day)

for women: 14 units of alcohol per week (and no more than 3 units in any one day)

How much a “unit” is depends on what you’re drinking, but some general rules are:

Drinking more than 6 units in one go if you are a woman and more than 10 units if you are a man poses a much bigger risk to your health. Anything over those amounts is classed as “binge drinking”. Studies have shown that those who drink a lot in their teens and early 20s are up to twice as likely to be binge drinking 25 years later.

Some problems with binge drinking:

Heightened emotions – even the most trivial event or problem can become a massive problem when you’re drunk: cue arguments/tears in the toilets/ telling strangers you love them/starting fights

Your body doesn’t like it – being sick or incontinent (or worse...) is just not nice

Loss of inhibitions – if this leads to your behaving in a way you wouldn’t normally, you’ll regret it in the morning